Ritual Outline (part 1)

     As I stated before performing ritual can be something simple or it can be more involved.  The outline that I am posting here is a general ritual outline that is performed on the eight sacred days, and on full and new moons.  This outline is general, and should not be taken as the only official way to do a ritual.  Adding your own energy and spirit is what makes the ritual come alive.  Adding chants, music, dance, and any other energy raising activity will enhance your ritual, and help to show the divine that you truly do revere them. Please note that this section is continued into another section at the bottom of the screen.

1. Cast Circles - Casting your circle is the first thing that needs to be done.  You want to begin by defining the outline of your circle (usually).  The general rule of how large your circle should be is 9 feet in diameter.  This of course depends on how large your group is.  Casting circles involves a little more then just marking the circle.  This is where you will be physically changing the energy level.  Think of it as cutting out a small sphere or putting up a glass globe around the area you are preparing.  Placing flowers, candles or other items around the walls of your circle will help to make a distinct energy change.

2. Calling the Watchtowers - Making a plea or calling the Watchtowers is one of the first energies you will be calling into your circle.  This can be done by reciting a small invocation while facing each direction.  Each direction has their own Watchtower, so it is necessary for you to call in each of the four directions.

3. Calling the Elements and Directions - Aside from the Watchtowers (the guardians), you will want to call in the actual forces of each element and direction.  Again, a simple invocation recited while facing the correct direction will work.

4. Consecrate the Elements - This can be done by walking around the circle in a clockwise direction with something that represents the element you are consecrating.  Recite a few words, and place the object back on the altar or from the direction in which you got it.

5. Cleanse Space - This can be achieved by burning incense or burning a small amount of sage in the area in which you are working.  Some will set up the circle physically and cleanse the space first.  Either way is fine, as long as you clear the area spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Keep in mind that while you are cleaning, you are raising the energy level in the room or the area.  After you have it cleansed, you will definitely feel an energy lift.

6. Invocation of Deity - This is where you are to actually call upon the spirit of the Divine.  An invocation solely for this purpose should be used. Choose your words carefully, and do all that you can to make this invocation identify with the Deity you are calling.  Such invocations as "Drawing Down the Moon" and "Invocation of the Horned God" are good examples of what we are talking about here.

7. Stating the Purpose of the Ritual - Now that you have called the forces in, you may want to let them know why you have called them.  Reverence should always be top on the list, and if you have any magickal workings in order, you should let them know ahead of time.

8. Worship - This is where you will actually perform the rites you have made up in order to show tribute to the divine.  As you have called our Creator into your circle, you will want to pay tribute to him and/or her first. If you are going to make a plea to one of the elements for their help, this is where you would want to give them your offerings.  Likewise, any offerings you have for Deity should be given now.

9. Raising Energy - Before you execute any magickal workings, you will want to raise the energy necessary in order to execute it. Chanting, dancing, meditation, or whatever method you use to raise energy will be appropriate now.

10. Magickal Workings - After you have raised the appropriate level of energy, you will want to perform the actual magickal rite and release the energy from your circle to the destination.  If you are writing and burning a spell, then you would want to do those things now.  If you are reciting an incantation, then again, now would be the appropriate time.  However that you have arranged the actual execution of your work, know that by doing it in a cleansed and focused circle will add a lot more strength to it.